Lathrop’s citizen’s police academy

Lathrop Police Services’ annual Citizen’s Academy is just around the corner.

The goal of the Lathrop Police Services Citizen’s Academy is to promote a better relationship between the police department and the community by fostering a clearer understanding of a police officer’s duties and how those duties are carried out. The Citizen’s Academy is being offered three hours a week, on consecutive Wednesdays, over a 10-week period. After completion of the academy paricipants be eligible to participate in a one-time “ride along” with an officer.

Applicants must meet the following criteria: minimum age of 21, no misdemeanor arrests within one year of application, (all past arrests will be considered in the screening process), and no prior felony convictions, pass a security check.Applications can be picked up at the Lathrop Police Office at 15597 S. Seventh Street, Lathrop City Hall, or at the Lathrop Community Center. Academy size will be limited to 20 citizens. Applicants will be notified in writing regarding acceptance to the Citizen’s Academy program. Applications must be turned in by Dec. 28. There will be no registration cost at this time. Citizen’s Academy includes a T-shirt and course supplies.

Classes will be held Wednesday evenings, January 6 through March 10, 2010, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The location will be Lathrop Community Center, 15557 Fifth Street.